Topic 1: Juvenile Waivers

Juvenile waivers have become a very controversial issue within the criminal justice system. Under the waiver system, juveniles can be transferred to the adult court system technically as young as 7 years of age. Once in the adult court system, juveniles can receive punishments up to life without the possibility of parole (LWOP). With the ruling in Roper v. Simmons (2005), many juveniles who previously would have received the death penalty are now being sentenced to LWOP and will be incarcerated for 60 to 70 years in many cases. With a growing movement to rehabilitate juveniles and a growing interest in restorative justice, do you believe that juveniles should be provided rehabilitation and/or potentially reduced sentences for their crimes? Explain your answer.

Topic 2: Weekly Research Discussion

Research and locate a news article or op-ed that addresses an issue you believe is relevant to the unit. This resource must address a critical or controversial issue. Please post the article and indicate why it is indeed a critical or controversial issue.